How to Make Straight Cuts With a Tile Saw

Cutting tile can be done by hand, but it is a hard, slow process. A diamond-bladed tile saw is a necessity when installing ceramic or other kinds of tile. They can be rented at tool rental stores or purchased. Straight cuts are made simple with the saw and these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pencil
• Goggles
• Masking tape

1. Make a pencil mark on the tile at the precise place you need to cut it. You can draw a straight pencil line across the whole piece of tile because the mark will come off as you cut it or can be wiped off later.

2. Adjust the guide rails on the tile saw to center the tile saw blade over the pencil mark.

3. Use extreme care not to get any part of your body near the tile saw blade, including your hair. Tie hair back and wear goggles to protect your eyes.

4. Turn on the saw and guide the tile under the blade. Don't exert force on the tile, just guide it and let the saw do the work. If you try to go too fast, the blade will get hot and wear off the diamond edge sooner. Go very slow as you near the end of the straight cut to avoid leaving a tab on one side while taking a chip out of the other.

Tips & Warnings

• Use masking tape to mark the straight cutting line on tile that is hard to mark, such as dark tile or glass tile.
• Use protective eyewear and keep your hands away from the tile saw blade.
• Make sure there is water in the tile saw reservoir to cool the blade.